$16.77 hourly identified as Saskatoon’s living wage

WATCH ABOVE: The Saskatchewan Poverty Reduction partnership says our province’s minimum wage doesn’t compare to what it deems is required for a family to live. Ryan Kessler has a look at the hourly wage study and how much it would cost to be healthy and happy in Saskatchewan.

SASKATOON – Saskatchewan’s current minimum wage isn’t enough for families to support themselves “with confidence,” according to a report presented by the Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership.

The study, titled “The Business Case for a Living Wage in Saskatoon” recommends an hourly rate of $16.77 for people working a minimum of 35 hours a week. The findings are based off the average household with two children and two working parents.

“Any effects [on unemployment] that there will be, will be concentrated among lower-wage workers and younger workers, particularly teenagers,” said Kelly Foley, assistant professor of economics at the University of Saskatchewan.

Similar living wage studies have been calculated for more than two dozen cities across Canada. The study focuses on expenses like housing, childcare, food, clothing, healthcare and transportation.